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Hearty One-Pot Black Beans and Rice for Weeknight Dinners

Close-up of a bowl filled with white rice topped generously with seasoned black beans and fresh cilantro, perfect beans and rice.
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Make this budget-friendly, hearty black beans and rice in a single pot for easy weeknight meals and minimal cleanup. This recipe delivers classic comfort food flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rinsed black beans, uncooked rice, and vegetable broth. Add the salt and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during simmering.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  6. Fluff the rice and beans gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if you are using it.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you are not making this a vegetarian meal.
  • This dish freezes well; cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/easy-one-pot-beans-and-rice-dinner/